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August 19, 2018

Vieira: ‘A deserved point’

Patrick Vieira analyses the draw away to Caen.

Coach, how do you feel about the result?It’s a deserved point. We didn’t let our heads drop after conceding that goal and we are happy to be returning to Nice with one point. It was important because we tried to play, to create chances and attack. We know that not everything was perfect, that there is still a lot of work to be done, but for team morale, it was important not to lose.

What was the idea of playing three at the back?The aim was to have more bodies up front and in the penalty box. Ganago has been good in training this week and played well when he came on. It’s good to have players in the box when the ball is in wide positions.

How do you explain so many incomplete passes?A lack of concentration, especially in the first half. We were a bit too casual, we lost too much ball… We weren’t disciplined. We need to improve in this department. When you look at our two matches, we are lacking that clinical side. We lose too much ball in midfield.

The players’ adaptation to the tactical changes was a positive…It was very important to react. That’s why I’m very happy for them. They worked very hard to come back and equalise. There were plenty of positives this evening, even if we suffered a little in the final third, but that’s normal, because we were playing with players who are not pure centre-forwards. That makes things more difficult, but in terms of their commitment, the players were excellent tonight.

There was a lot of expectation on Myziane’s shoulders tonight…Yes, but he’s only played about 20 Ligue 1 matches, he’s only 19 and he needs time, like the team… We will keep improving, but i twill take a few months to really get the best out of the players. Myziane shared the central role with Allan, he can play all three positions in attack. He spent a lot of time on the left, but he will really bring a lot to the team in attack.

How do you manage sharing those roles in attack?I try and send out instructions to the players, but I also try and leave them as much freedom as possible on the pitch, to do what they know to do and make their own decisions, while always respecting the balance of the team. In this respect, we played well.

What did you think of your opponents tonight?Caen are a very well-organised side. It was very difficult for us to find the space in midfield to play. They are very quick on the counterattack and have some very good individuals. It was very tough for us, and that’s why I’m happy to leave here with a point.

A word on the excellent performance by Yoan Cardinale in goal?It’s good for him and the team. We never doubted his qualities, we know he is a good goalkeeper. Tonight, he played as well as anyone. We all needed to play well, as a team, to leave here with something. As a team, with and without the ball, we played well.